Elections to the Scottish Parliament normally take place every 5 years. Each session begins on the day the Parliament first meets after an election until the Parliament is dissolved shortly before the next election.
Within a session, periods when the Parliament sits are broken up by periods of recess. During sitting periods, Parliamentary business (in the Chamber and in committees) normally takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Scottish Parliament is dissolved before each general election. During the period of dissolution, there are no MSPs and no Parliamentary business can take place.
The Presiding Officer has determined that the Parliament will be dissolved on 9 April 2026, ahead of the election on 7 May 2026.
Find out more about the election
In line with the approach taken in previous sessions, the recess dates for 2026-27 will not be agreed by Parliament until after the 2026 elections.
The dates will be added to this page as soon as they have been agreed.
MSPs can lodge motions, questions and amendments on any day when “the Office of the Clerk” is open. The Office of the Clerk is open on most weekdays throughout the session, including during most periods of recess.